Music

Mark Ballas' 'DWTS' blog: About that fight

By Mark Ballas, Special for USA TODAY

When you play at this level, there's no ordinary venue: Mark Ballas and Bristol Palin re-enacted Derek Hough and Joanna Krupa's chess-inspired paso doble from Season 9.

It all started with a rehearsal cancellation
But now it's time to rock 'n' roll
And get a little tattoo work done

All in all, I think it was a successful week, jumping up 4.5 points from last week. Even though we're still at the bottom of the leaderboard, I was happy with that.

Monday's episode showed the first-ever argument between Bristol and myself. It's really hard to capture the full breadth of a 45-minute conversation in a 90-second recap.

A lot of people have been asking why I "missed a rehearsal." I had a family matter involving my mom that morning, and I did everything a cast member is supposed to regarding a rehearsal cancellation or a time change. I called production and told them I wouldn't make it and that we should reschedule for that evening. We did make up the lost rehearsal time that night. And thankfully, my mom is doing much better.

On the upside, our rehearsals since then have been a million times better. We are much stronger as a team, and ready to push forward. I love what I do and love doing it for the fans. I always give 100% and am proud to be a member of this cast.

'Dancing With the Stars' pro and USA TODAY blogger Mark Ballas shows off his most recent tattoo work.

This week's theme is "Rock 'n' Roll," which is one of my favorite styles and favorite genres of music. In terms of dance style, it calls for a mix of the Lindy Hop, jitterbug and the like. Bristol, however, is finding the speed and over-the-top personality of the dance challenging.

I had to completely change the creative approach and choreography, which is hard because this season is "All-Stars" and the bar has been raised that much higher. I just hope we can push through and make this routine as great as it should be.

I got to chill out Tuesday night with my awesome tattoo artist, "Mr Cartoon" (@MisterCtoons), and finish up the half-sleeve on my right arm. It's a symbolic shrine to my family, consisting of Koi fish, a rainbow frog, family members' initials and Japanese wind bars, cherry blossoms, water and decoration. It really turned out beautiful, exactly how I wanted it.

Music pick of the week : Check out Ellie Goulding's album Halcyon; my current song of choice is My Blood.

See you Monday!

Featured Weekly Ad